Last week we announced our NOK 9 million contribution to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism. The funding mechanism seeks to assist developing members and least-developed members in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
Friday 17. Ambassador Petter Ølberg presented our contribution to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
“I welcome Norway's generous donation to the Fisheries Funding Mechanism, which will enable it to better support developing and least-developed country members to manage their fisheries resources and implement the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Norway has been an active supporter of the WTO's work on fisheries subsidies, and of WTO technical assistance, and it is very heartening to see its continuing commitment to achieve global marine sustainability.” Said the Director-General.
The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a step towards prohibiting harmful fisheries subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread depletion of the world’s fish stocks. It will enter into effect upon acceptance by two thirds of the membership. The fund will provide targeted technical assistance and capacity building to help developing and least-developed country members with the implementation.
“Norway has a long history of fisheries development and management assistance and provides support to the FAO and other UN organizations as well as to regional fisheries management organizations and other regional initiatives. Keeping up that tradition, I am today pleased to announce Norway’s donation of NOK 9 million to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism.” Ambassador Ølberg stated.